More Coverage

Related Stories

There should never be any degree of consolation when the goal is to win.

But for Ryerson Rams basketball, an emerging program that has defied the odds in getting to Halifax and the CIS championship, a measure of validation must be embraced.

At no point in Ryerson’s history has hoops become so relevant and impactful, a future that looks bright at a time when much pain has been experienced.

First came last week’s demolition by Carleton in the OUA final, a 40-point setback that came on the heels of a riveting semifinal win over Lakehead.

And now comes Friday’s quarterfinal flameout to Alberta, Canada West champions who flexed their weight early and often, seemingly able to score at will, no matter what kind of opposition or defence was provided.

As they move forward, the Rams need to be less reliant on their perimeter offence and somehow find a presence in the paint that can make scoring a lot more easier to produce.

It’s no small feat, but the inroads made by third-year head coach Roy Rana speaks to a program that will no longer tolerate losing or offer any kind of excuses.

Simply put, Ryerson was overmatched by the burly Golden Bears from Edmonton, a team loaded for bear as it takes its spot in Saturday’s national semifinal.

Young and explosive with guard play that can take over games, there’s a lot for long-suffering supporters of Ryerson to be optimistic about, despite the last two endings.

When they came out for the second half after trailing 49-25 at the break, Ryerson basketball was in full display, applying plenty of pressure on the ball and releasing shots with confidence that found net.

In a three-minute stretch, Ryerson, which was appearing in only its second national event and first since 1999, would go on an 11-0 run and makes things a little uncomfortable for Alberta.

But that, essentially, was all the Rams could muster on this night, which began so poorly and ended in defeat.

No team of the eight gathered in Halifax is younger, no program has had to overcome as many obstacles at Ryerson, a downtown Toronto school that has seen wave after wave of city talent head to places other than Ryerson.

Under Rana’s guidance, a culture of losing and indifference has been replaced by excellence and accountability.

“We’ve got nothing to be ashamed of,’’ added Rana, who believes his team will put its best foot forward in Saturday’s consolation draw.

Basketball, at any level, is a game of matchups and Ryerson did not match up well against the Golden Bears, who are mature, both in their basketball experience and sheer physical makeup.

The Rams also had to deal with injuries, a burden that became more problematic when leading scorer Jordan Gauthier, a game-time decision, was limited with a leg injury.

What can’t get lost was the way the second-seeded Golden Bears imposed their will.

Alberta’s two best players, Jordan Baker and Daniel Ferguson, set the tempo by scoring a combined 41 of the team’s 49 first-half points on 15-of-21 shooting from the field.

Baker led all scorers with 26 points, while Ferguson had 23.

Ryerson was led by Jahmal Jones’ 15 points.

“We’ve learned not to play reactionary basketball,’’ said Baker, who scored Alberta’s first eight points from different spots on the floor. “We want to set the tone right from the opening tip.’’